The solemnity of mary, January First

The Solemnity of Mary

Eileen Renders

December 1st is the Feast Day of the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and it is a high-ranking Catholic feast day celebrated to honor Mary as the mother of Jesus Christ, emphasizing her role in salvation and Jesus’ dual nature as fully human and fully divine.

It is a Holy Day of Obligation, and we are obliged to attend Mass. It recalls her “Yes” to becoming the Mother of God, regardless of what that might involve, without reservation. This feast day acknowledges

Mary’s special and unique role, who gave birth to the person of Jesus Christ, who is both divine and human.

Mary, the Mother of God, played an intricate and special role in her acceptance of God’s will. She became a role model in faith, trust, and obedience.

This Solemnity of Mary is of the highest rank of liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church. It is on January First, and aligns with the New Year and the octave of Christmas, symbolizing new beginnings and peace.

During Jesus’ Crucifixion and death on the Cross, and before He died, Jesus showed concern for His mother after He left and said to His mother while looking at His disciple and friend, St. John, “Woman, behold your son”. In those words, Jesus gave us the special blessing that we, too, could call the mother of Christ, our mother as well. It also symbolizes the Fourth Commandment, “Honor your father and your mother.” And how we live out that Commandment by taking care of our parents when they are left alone and in need. 

God so loved His Mother that He made her Queen of Earth and Queen of Heaven.

When we pray to Mary, the Mother of God, she intervenes for us through her Son, Jesus Christ. And no one ever had more influence of Jesus (other than God the Father) than Mary, His mother.

Mary, the Mother of God, our Mother, desires nothing more than helping us, her children on Earth, that we might see and recognize God’s love and mercy, from our Creator, Jesus Christ.